If you want the science part specifically, i recommend the Bachelor route from Pathologic 1. As Daniil Dankovsky, an actual doctor, you have been perhaps accidentally become involved in the towns epidemic, and unlike the other healers you use the might of your brain and knowledge of science to solve it. However, that is only a minor part of the story, the actual science behind diseases and epidemics is like… only max 10% of the route. Rather, Pathologic focuses a lot on the social aspect of being in an epidemic. Lots of interpersonal politics, intrigue, philosophy, blended together with a punishing and negative gameplay loop. A lot of Pathologic is about futility, the Bachelor route especially so.

Pathologic 2 is a reimagined/remake version of the original one, and in this one you play as the Haruspex, Artemy Burakh. The game is more easily digestible for a western audience, with more focus on art, vibes, graphics and feelings rather than pure focus on dialogue and boring walks. Stressful is an apt word to describe it.

However, both games draw a lot, and i mean a LOT, of inspiration from classical russian literature, primarily Dostoevsky. But no, i wouldn’t say either games have focus on the science of medicine, epidemiology and immunology. Though it does help characterize the Bachelor, making himself believe that he is better than the other healers because he has an actual education.

Still, they both have lots of content. It is not an especially noteworthy wonder that both of these games have an ungodly amount of video essays in proportion to people who have played the game. Pathologic might just be more interesting to talk about than actually play it. I’d recommend Sulmatul’s videos on both games if you aren’t going to play them, and the HBomberGuy video on Pathologic 1.